By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Health, Madoda Sambatha said his department will this week (6-10 February 2024), observe the STI/Condom Week which is an initiative that seeks to raise awareness of the importance of practicing safe and protected sex.

Sambatha said the campaign encourages people, especially young adults to use condoms and prevent unwanted pregnancies and the spreading of Sexual Transmitted Diseases (STDs) like HIV/AIDS, syphilis and gonorrhoea.

Reflecting on the departmental commemorative plans, he further said it was pivotal to raise awareness about the significance of condoms and educate
people on safe sex, especially young adolescents and teenagers.

“STDs are one of the major causes of death in the world. Teen pregnancies and unplanned pregnancies are also a big concern. This week reminds us of the importance of using condoms and practicing safe sex.

“The year 2024 marks almost 170 years since rubber condoms were used for the first time. Condoms are one of the few contraceptive methods that provide 98% protection from sexually transmitted diseases and unplanned pregnancies,” he said.

Sambatha added that, everyone who is sexually active, should engage in conversations
about safe sexual practices with their partners and to use condoms correctly whenever
they have sex to prevent sexually transmitted infections.

He said using condoms is a form of self-care and a way to contribute to public health.

“Everyone has the right to make important decisions about their own sexual health and
partners need to engage in open and honest conversations about safer sex practices
as this will lead to healthy and enjoyable experiences.

“An STI is an infection passed from one person to another person through sexual contact. An infection is when a bacteria, virus, or parasite enters and grows in or on your body. STIs are also called sexually transmitted diseases or STDs,” said Sambatha.

He said some STIs can be cured and some STIs cannot be cured. Sambatha said for those STIs that cannot be cured, there are medicines to manage the symptoms.

“Some STIs are most common STDs such as Human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the most common sexually transmitted
infection (STI). Many people with HPV do not develop any symptoms, but can still infect others through sexual contact. Chlamydia is a common STD that can cause infection among both men and women.

“It can cause permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system. This can make it difficult or impossible to get pregnant later. Chlamydia can also cause a potentially fatal ectopic pregnancy (pregnancy that occurs outside the
womb). Genital herpes is sexually transmitted infection marked by genital pain and
sores,” he said.

Sambatha said it is caused by the herpes simplex virus and the disease can affect both men and women. He said pain, itching and small sores appear first.

“They form ulcers and scabs. After initial infection, genital herpes lies dormant in the body. Symptoms can recur for years. Gonorrhoea is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by infection with the Neisseria gonorrhoea bacterium. Gonorrhoea infects the mucous membranes of the reproductive tract, including the cervix, uterus, and fallopian
tubes in women, and the urethra in women and men.

“HIV or the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is an infection that attacks the
body’s immune system. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the
most advanced stage of the disease. HIV targets the body’s white blood cells, weakening the immune system,” said Sambatha.

He said this makes it easier to get sick with diseases like tuberculosis, infections and some cancers. Sambatha said syphilis is a preventable and curable bacterial sexually transmitted infection (STI).

“If untreated, it can cause serious health issues. Syphilis in pregnancy may lead to stillbirth, newborn death and babies born with syphilis (congenital syphilis). It is important for individuals to go to the clinic for treatment if one suspect any signs and symptoms.

“Treatment for STIs and provision of condoms is given free of charge at primary healthcare clinics across the province. Most STIs are easily treated and can be cured. Public health facilities throughout the province will continue to educate the public about safe sexual practices and provide voluntary screening for STIs,” he said.

Sambatha said a provincial event will
be convened in the Bojanala District later this month.

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